The Growing Use of Drone Attacks by the Ethiopian Government in Internal Conflicts
Drone technology, which has transformed modern warfare, is now a significant factor in Ethiopia’s internal conflicts. The Ethiopian government’s use of drones has led to numerous civilian casualties and has sparked widespread human rights concerns. This expanded article delves deeper into the impact of drone strikes, the historical context, the government’s stance, and the broader implications for Ethiopian society and international relations. This investigative report was originally published by BBC Amharic.
Devastating Impact: Personal Stories of Tragedy
The human cost of drone attacks in Ethiopia is starkly illustrated by the experiences of individuals like Mr. King Bele. On August 13, 2016, a drone strike targeted a vehicle in the North Showa zone of the Amhara region, killing eight of Mr. King’s family members. According to BBC Amharic reports, the attack occurred while the family was traveling, resulting in a massacre that left Mr. King in profound grief. His account reveals the emotional and psychological toll of such strikes: “When I arrived, I found my wife collapsed. I don’t know myself anymore. I lost myself. I don’t remember how to be, what to be at the time. After 40 days, I began to calm down a bit after entering the righteous prayer.”
Similarly, on February 11, 2016, a drone attack struck a vehicle carrying over 20 family members traveling from Sasit to Gauna. The attack resulted in the deaths of all but a few, including a Christian child who survived miraculously. Eyewitnesses described the scene as a “massacre,” underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the drone strikes.
The attack in Boji Bermeji on October 23, 2015, further exemplifies the devastating impact. More than 60 people were killed in a drone strike on a market day, with eyewitnesses and local medical staff confirming the large number of casualties. The attack was described as a “massacre,” with reports indicating that many of the victims were attending the market or traveling to school, further emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of these strikes.
The Rise of Drone Warfare in Ethiopia
The use of drones in Ethiopia began in 2013 but became more prominent during the two-year civil war in Northern Ethiopia. Over the past four years, the government has conducted numerous drone strikes across various regions, including Amhara and Oromia. The Ethiopian government has used drones to target suspected insurgents, but the strikes have often resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage to public infrastructure.
Reports indicate that drones have been used to target a range of public facilities, including schools, churches, shopping centers, and transportation hubs. This widespread use of drones has raised serious concerns about the government’s adherence to principles of necessity and proportionality in its military operations.
Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian Armed Forces, has defended the use of drones, claiming that they are intended to target insurgents rather than civilians. However, numerous eyewitness accounts and reports from human rights organizations suggest that many drone strikes have inadvertently targeted civilians, leading to widespread criticism of the government’s approach.
Documented Drone Attacks: A Grim Statistics
From 2013 to January 2016, Ethiopia recorded 144 confirmed drone attacks. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (ESMECO) and Amnesty International have criticized these strikes for their lack of precision and the high number of civilian casualties. Human rights activists argue that the attacks often fail to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, resulting in severe violations of the right to life.
The Amhara Association in America reports that at least 80 confirmed drone strikes occurred in the Amhara region from August 2015 to August 2016. Over half of these attacks resulted in civilian deaths. Similarly, the Oromo Legacy and Advocacy Association has documented numerous drone strikes in the Oromia region, with estimates suggesting that casualties could number in the thousands. The association highlights that drone attacks have targeted private homes, religious congregations, schools, weddings, and other public gatherings.
The Government’s Justification and Criticism
The Ethiopian government argues that drone strikes are a necessary tool for targeting insurgents in areas that are difficult to reach with traditional military forces. However, critics argue that the government’s justification is flawed. Dr. Daniel Kasahun, a GIS expert, points out that the frequent targeting of densely populated areas and public spaces undermines the government’s claims of precision and accuracy.
Field Marshal Birhanu Jula has emphasized that the military aims to avoid civilian casualties, yet the increasing number of drone attacks and their impact on innocent lives suggest a different reality. The government’s approach has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, which call for greater accountability and adherence to international humanitarian standards.
The Global Context and Future Implications
The use of drones in Ethiopia reflects a broader global trend where drone technology is increasingly employed in various types of conflicts. From counter-terrorism operations to internal suppression, drones have become a common tool in modern warfare. In Ethiopia, drones have significantly influenced the dynamics of conflict, particularly during the Tigray war and subsequent operations in Amhara and Oromia.
Experts like Dr. Daniel Kasahun argue that the increasing reliance on drones represents a troubling shift in modern warfare. The technology, while advanced, often lacks the precision and ethical considerations required to prevent civilian harm. The widespread use of drones in Ethiopia highlights the need for stringent regulations and oversight to prevent further harm to civilians.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Justice
The impact of drone attacks in Ethiopia underscores a pressing need for accountability and reform. The stories of individuals like Mr. King Bele and the reports from human rights organizations paint a grim picture of the current situation. As the Ethiopian government continues to use drones in its internal conflicts, the international community must advocate for measures that protect civilians and uphold human rights.
Efforts by organizations like the Amhara Association and the Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association to seek justice and hold the government accountable are crucial. The call for greater transparency and adherence to humanitarian principles remains vital in addressing the ongoing crisis and preventing further loss of innocent lives.
The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely and pressure the Ethiopian government to adhere to international humanitarian standards. Only through collective action and advocacy can we hope to mitigate the impact of drone warfare on innocent civilians and ensure that the principles of justice and human rights are upheld.
This investigative report was originally published by BBC Amharic. Names and some details have been altered to protect the identities of those involved.
